This collection of four essays on the governance of voluntary associations by nineteenth century cleric and reformer Leonard Bacon includes "The Christian Doctrine of Responsibility in Respect to Property (1832), "Responsibility in the Management of Societies" (1847), "Sketch of the Life and Public Services of Hon. James Hillhouse" (1860), and "A Voice from Squashville" (1870). The essays are prefaced with a new introduction by Peter Dobkin Hall, Harvard University.